What is a Nipple Shield?

A nipple shield is a thin cover made from soft, flexible silicone that covers a woman's nipple and is used to aid in nursing a newborn baby. It has several small holes on the tip of the shield for milk to easily pass through. The shield can make it easier for the baby to nurse, and it can protect sore nipples. The baby will latch onto the nipple shield instead of latching onto the mother's nipple directly.

There are different reasons why a mother would use a nipple shield. Some premature babies might have a small mouth, and a shield can aid in getting the baby to latch on for feeding. Some mothers might have large or inverted nipples and might need to use a shield to help start the process of breastfeeding.

If a baby has had bottles and the mother is trying to begin nursing, then a shield can help with the transition because it is shaped more like a bottle nipple. No matter what the reason if a newborn is having trouble latching on to the breast, a nipple shield can be a temporary aid to get the nursing started. The shield eventually can be removed, and breastfeeding can go on naturally.

When using a shield for a baby who is having trouble latching on, the shield should be put on for the first few minutes of the feeding session. After the newborn is sucking well, the shield can be removed quickly, and the mother's nipple should be offered immediately. The baby usually will continue the feeding without the use of the shield.

Some women, especially new mothers, can experience sore nipples soon after breastfeeding begins. A nipple shield can be used to give the mother time to heal from sore nipples. Most experts agree that a shield should be only a temporary aid. Mothers should remove the shield as soon as possible and wean the baby from the shield.

A negative effect from the use of a nipple shield can be slowed milk production. The use of a shield does not provide the same amount of stimulation of the breast that a baby sucking directly on the nipple does. This might cause the mother's milk production to slow down, meaning that the mother might not be able to produce enough milk for the newborn. When deciding whether to use a nipple shield, mothers should talk to a lactation consultant or other professional about the benefits and risks.